Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of nuclear-armed Israel welcomed new sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council against Iran despite Turkey-Brazil deal.

Israel, most experts estimate that it has at least between 100 and 200 nuclear warheads, often threatens the Islamic republic with an attack.

"The resolution passed today (Wednesday) in the Security Council through (US) President (Barack) Obama's determined efforts is a positive step," Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office on Thursday.

"The resolution makes clear to Iran that the leading powers of the world are opposed to its nuclear weapons programme," he added.

"We hope that today's positive step will be followed by strong action on the part of individual countries, including those targeting Iran's energy sector."

The Security Council approved a fourth round of sanctions against Iran on Wednesday.

UN vote came despite Turkey-Brazil efforts that yielded a nuclear swap deal with Iran.

Turkey and Brazil voted against it while Lebanon abstained. However, there were 12 votes in favor of the resolution.

Israeli jets bombed an Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981 and a site in Syria in 2007.

Turkish PM called for "fair" stance from global powers before UN vote.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said Wednesday that the international community should show a fair stance and react to not only Iran but also other regional countries that have nuclear weapons.

"The international community, which shows a rightful sensitivity against Iran's having nuclear weapons, must show the same reaction to nuclear weapons of other countries in the region," he said.

Israel recently refused US and international calls to sign Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and open its facilities for IAEA perusal.


Agencies